Program Manager, Computer Software
Salary

Wages for Computer Software Program Managers in the United States are generous, with average pay above six figures ($104K) per year. In the world of Computer Software Program Managers, total cash compensation can vary between $70K and $146K. Each package generally includes bonuses and profit sharing proceeds, and in exceptional cases, those amounts can reach heights of $18K and $12K, respectively. The most important factor affecting compensation for this group is residence, followed by experience level and the specific company. Men make up the majority of Computer Software Program Managers (68 percent) survey respondents. Job satisfaction is high and work is enjoyable for most Computer Software Program Managers. Medical benefits are awarded to almost all, and a large number earn dental coverage. The figures in this overview were provided by individuals who took PayScale's salary questionnaire.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

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Job Description for Program Manager, Computer Software

A computer software program manager is responsible for developing software products, managing the development process, and helping with product launches. They work at all points in the project cycle and oversee the members of the program/project team, ensuring that all deadlines are met and goals are reached. Substantial testing is required to ensure software is ready for the market, and the program manager oversees this testing to ensure it is rigorous and successful. In all tasks, computer software program managers must manage the product development cycle to properly manage the concerns of project leads. For instance, if the software is not fully compatible with the hardware or there are significant features bugs, the program manager must work with hardware leads to resolve the issue in a timely manner. The program manager must also establish a viable schedule for hardware platform integration and development.

Program managers typically work full time in an office environment, spending a large amount of their time in business meetings with clients, colleagues, and subordinates. However, they may also work in manufacturing hubs and research and development departments. Excellent communication skills are required to ensure all teams, including managers and engineers, are working towards clearly defined goals.

Typically, at least twelve years' experience in technical program and engineering is required. A bachelor's in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field is generally required; a master's degree may be preferred. The position requires management and computer engineering skills, as well as excellent communication skills and the ability to present technical information to a variety of audiences.

Common Career Paths for Program Manager, Computer Software

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Although it's unusual, some Computer Software Program Managers transition into jobs as IT Senior Program Managers. The latter group reports earning a slightly lower median of $132K per year, though. A Senior Program Manager of Software Applications role is the most common promotion for Computer Software Program Managers moving up the ladder, and pay for the position tends to be around the $127K mark. Another typical, albeit less common, transition for Computer Software Program Managers is a Product Manager of Software position, where earnings are usually $92K.

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Popular Skills for Program Manager, Computer Software

This chart shows the most popular skills for this job and what effect each skill has on pay.

Computer Software Program Managers seem to exploit a large range of skills on the job. Most notably, skills in e-Commerce, Agile, Java, and C++ are correlated to pay that is above average. Those listing Microsoft Access as a skill should be prepared for drastically lower pay. HTML and Microsoft Word also typically command lower compensation. The majority of those who know Microsoft Office also know Microsoft Excel and Program Management.

Pay by Experience Level for Program Manager, Computer Software

Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.

For many Computer Software Program Managers, extensive experience does not lead to significantly more money. Individuals with less than five years' experience take home around $99K. In contrast, though, people who have been on the job for five to 10 years report a six-figure median of $110K. After working for 10 to 20 years, Computer Software Program Managers make a median salary of $119K. Computer Software Program Managers who surpass 20 years on the job report pay that isn't as high as one would expect; the median compensation for this crowd sits around $126K.

Pay Difference by Location

With a pay rate for Computer Software Program Managers that is 19 percent greater than the national average, San Diego offers a comfortable salary for those in this profession. Computer Software Program Managers will also find cushy salaries in Mountain View (+16 percent), New York (+16 percent), San Jose (+11 percent), and San Francisco (+9 percent). Computer Software Program Managers in Atlanta report much lower salaries than the rest of the country — 20 percent below the national average — proving that residence is a major factor in overall pay. Two other places where employers offer below-median salaries are Denver (17 percent less) and Bellevue (7 percent less).